THOMASVILLE — On Dec. 4, Southern Regional Technical College held two commencement ceremonies at SRTC-Bainbridge in honor of the graduates who completed their programs during the fall semester of 2024. 

The ceremonies recognized the accomplishments of 427 graduates, with over 300 graduates in attendance. The graduates’ friends and family members filled the Student Wellness Center gym to capacity, celebrating the class of 2024.

SRTC’s graduation ceremonies were a day of awarding degrees, diplomas, and certificates to students who had completed their respective credit programs or high school equivalency credentials, the college said in a press release. Many graduates received multiple honors, as several programs include embedded certificates that students earn in the course of completing a program. 

The commencement speaker was Benjie Nobles, SRTC’s 2025 Rick Perkins Award Winner, Teacher of the Year, and Criminal Justice Instructor at SRTC-Moultrie. Selected by his colleagues in November 2024 for the competition, Nobles emerged as SRTC’s institutional winner and will advance to regional competition in February 2025, followed by state finals in Atlanta in April.

Nobles brings 18 years of real-world expertise to the classroom from his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections, where he rose through the ranks as chief counselor, deputy warden of care and treatment, and superintendent. The Technical College System of Georgia has recognized him as a Georgia Master Teacher, and he holds both master’s and bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice from Albany State University.

Beyond the classroom, he leads the Greater Believers Community Education, Training, and Outreach Center and directs Colquitt-Moultrie Fishers of Men, addressing critical men’s health initiatives. His community engagement includes service on the United Way of Colquitt County board and active participation in local development initiatives.

SRTC President Jim Glass thanked the graduates in attendance for choosing Southern Regional Technical College and extended his appreciation to the gathered family and friends for supporting the students during their college journey. He encouraged the students to continue to work hard and take the lessons that they have learned at SRTC with them as they move forward in their education and their careers.

SRTC offers over 150 degree, diploma, and certificate programs that are designed to get graduates quickly into a desired career, and 28 general education courses that transfer to the University System of Georgia institutions and 19 private colleges and universities in Georgia. SRTC has instructional sites located in 11 counties across Southwest Georgia for the convenience of its students. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. For the most up-to-date information on registration, class dates, and program offerings, log on to www.southernregional.edu or call (888) 205-3449.